Non-azeotropic refrigerant compositions comprising difluoromethane; 1,1,1-trifluoroethane; or propane

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides refrigerant blends which are replacements for chlorodifluoromethane(HCFC-22). The present blends have refrigeration characteristics which are similar to HCFC-22. The blends comprise from about 10 to about 90 weight percent of a first component selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1-trifluoroethane, difluoromethane, propane, and mixtures thereof; from about 1 to about 50 weight percent of a second component selected from the group consisting of hydrofluorocarbon having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, fluorocarbon having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, inorganic compound, and mixtures thereof having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure in the range from about −90 degrees C to less than −50 degrees C; and from about 1 to about 50 weight percent of a third component which is hydrofluorocarbon having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, other than 1,1,1-trifluoroethane, having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure in the range from about −50 degrees C to about 31 10 degrees C. The refrigerant compositions have a vapor pressure substantially equal to the vapor pressure of HCFC-22.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 09/562,154 filedMar. 26, 2001 abandoned, which is a division of application Ser. No.09/020,662 filed Feb. 9, 1998 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,803), which is adivision of application Ser. No. 08/736,613 filed Oct. 24, 1996 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 5,736,063), which is a continuation of application Ser.No. 08/452,231 filed May 26, 1995 (abandoned), which is a division ofapplication Ser. No. 07/895,254 filed Jun. 8, 1992 abandoned), which isa continuation of application Ser. No. 07/671,270 filed Mar. 18, 1991(abandoned).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to novel nonazeotropic compositions containingdifluoromethane; 1,1,1-trifluoroethane; or propane. These mixtures haveimproved efficiency and capacity as refrigerants for heating andcooling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fluorocarbon based fluids have found widespread use in industry forrefrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump applications. Vaporcompressions cycles are one form of refrigeration. In its simplest form,the vapor compression cycle involves changing the refrigerant from theliquid to the vapor phase through heat absorption at a low pressure, andthen from the vapor to the liquid phase through heat removal at anelevated pressure. First, the refrigerant is vaporized in the evaporatorwhich is in contact with the body to be cooled. The pressure in theevaporator is such that the boiling point of the refrigerant is belowthe temperature of the body to be cooled. Thus, heat flows from the bodyto the refrigerant and causes the refrigerant to vaporize. The formedvapor is then removed by means of a compressor in order to maintain thelow pressure in the evaporator. The temperature and pressure of thevapor are then raised through the addition of mechanical energy by thecompressor. The high pressure vapor then passes to the condenserwhereupon heat exchange with a cooler medium, the sensible and latentheats are removed with subsequent condensation. The hot liquidrefrigerant then passes to the expansive valve and is ready to cycleagain.

While the primary purpose of refrigeration is to remove energy at lowtemperature, the primary purpose of a heat pump is to add energy athigher temperature. Heat pumps are considered reverse cycle systemsbecause for heating, the operation of the condenser is interchanged withthat of the refrigeration evaporator.

Certain chlorofluorocarbons have gained widespread use in refrigerationapplications including air conditioning and heat pump applications owingto their unique combination of chemical and physical properties. Themajority of refrigerants utilized in vapor compression systems areeither single component fluids or azeotropic mixtures.

The majority of refrigerants utilized in vapor compression systems areeither single component fluids or azeotropic mixtures. The latter arebinary mixtures, but for all refrigerant purposes behave as singlecomponent fluids. Nonazeotropic mixtures have been disclosed asrefrigerants for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,303,536 and 4,810,403 buthave not yet found widespread use in commercial applications.

The condensation and evaporation temperatures of single component fluidsare defined clearly. If we ignore the small pressure drops in therefrigerant lines, the condensation or evaporation occurs at a singletemperature corresponding to the condenser or evaporation pressure. Formixtures being employed as refrigerants, there is no single phase changetemperature but a range of temperatures. This range is governed by thevapor-liquid equilibrium behavior of the mixture. This property ofmixtures is responsible for the fact that when nonazeotropic mixturesare used in the refrigeration cycle, the temperature in the condenser orthe evaporator has no longer a single uniform value, even if thepressure drop effect is ignored. Instead, the temperature varies acrossthe equipment, regardless of the pressure drop. In the art, thisvariation in the temperature across an equipment is known as temperatureglide.

It has been pointed out in the past that for non-isothermal heat sourcesand heat sinks, this temperature glide in mixtures can be utilized toprovide better efficiencies. However in order to benefit from thiseffect, the conventional refrigeration cycle has to be redesigned, seefor example T. Atwood, “NARBs-The Promise and the Problem”, paper86-WA/HT-61 American Society of Mechanical Engineers. In most existingdesigns of refrigeration equipment, a temperature glide is a cause ofconcern. Therefore, nonazeotropic refrigerant mixtures have not foundwide use. An environmentally acceptable nonazeotropic mixture with asmall temperature glide and with an advantage in refrigeration capacityover other known pure fluids will have a general commercial interest.

Chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22) is a currently used refrigerant.Although HCFC-22 is only partially halogenated, it still containschloride and hence has a propensity for ozone depletion. What is neededin the refrigerant art is a replacement for HCFC-22 which has similarrefrigeration characteristics, is nonflammable, has low temperatureguides, and contains no ozone-depleting chlorine atoms.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,403 teaches ternary or higher blends of halocarbonrefrigerants which are substitutes for dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12).The blends have a first component which has a boiling point atatmospheric pressure in the range of −50 degrees C to −30 degrees C, asecond component which has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure inthe range of −30 degrees C to −5 degrees C, and a third component whichhas boiling point at atmospheric pressure in the range of −15 degrees Cto 30 degrees C. The preferred blend contains chlorodifluoromethane(HCFC-22), 1,1-difluoroethane (HCF-152a), and1,2-dichloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (CFC-114). As the reference listsHCFC-22 as a possible refrigerant component, the reference is notteaching refrigerant substitutes for HCFC-22.

As such, the art is seeking new fluorocarbon based mixtures which offeralternatives of HCFC-22 in refrigeration and heat pump applications.Currently, of particular interest, are fluorocarbon based mixtures whichare considered to be environmentally acceptable substitutes for thepresently used hydrochlorofluorocarbons which are suspected of causingenvironmental problems in connection with the earth's protective ozonelayer. Mathematical models have substantiated that hydrofluorocarbons,such as 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HCF-143a) or difluoromethane (HFC-32)will not adversely affect atmospheric chemistry, being negligiblecontributors to stratospheric ozone depletion and global warming.

The substitute materials must also possess those properties unique tothe CFC's including chemical stability, low toxicity, non-flammability,and efficiency in-use. The latter characteristic is important, forexample, in air conditioning and refrigeration where a loss inrefrigerant thermodynamic performance or energy efficiency may havesecondary environmental impacts through increased fossil fuel usagearising from an increased demand for electrical energy.

The aforementioned environmentally acceptable refrigerants HFC-32 andHFC-143a are flammable which may limit their general use. Theserefrigerants are generally regarded as too low boiling fluids todirectly replace chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22).

In order to overcome the flammability of HFC-32, we blended HFC-32 with1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and the result was zero ozonedepletion potential compositions which are useful substitutes forHCFC-22. At high amounts of HFC-32 though, compositions of HFC-32 andHFC-134a are flammable. In order to completely eliminate theflammability of such compositions, we decided to add a thirdnonflammable component. In adding a third component, we wanted theresulting ternary composition to have a zero ozone depletion potentialand have a boiling point comparable to that of HCFC-22. One member fromthe list of compounds having zero ozone depletion potential and boilingpoints at atmospheric pressure in the range of −90 degrees C to −60degrees C is trifluoromethane (HFC-23) which has a low criticaltemperature; as those skilled in the art know, compounds having lowcritical temperatures are not used as refrigerants because they do notcondense at room temperature and in a refrigerant blend, would beexpected to substantially reduce the refrigeration efficiency andcapacity of the blend. We were pleasantly surprised to find that inaddition to being inflammable, a blend of HFC-32, HFC-134a, and HFC-23has refrigeration efficiency and capacity substantially the same as ablend of HFC-32 and HFC-134a.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, we have discovered refrigerant blends which are substitutes forHCFC-22. These nonazeotropic refrigerant compositions comprise fromabout 10 to about 90 weight percent of a first component selected fromthe group consisting of 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HFC-143a),difluoromethane (HFC-32), propane, and mixtures thereof; from about 1 toabout 50 weight percent of a second component selected from the groupconsisting of hydrofluorocarbon having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, fluorocarbonhaving 1 to 3 carbon atoms, inorganic compound, and mixtures thereofhaving a boiling point at atmospheric pressure in the range from about31 90 degrees C to less than −50 degrees C; and from about 1 to about 50weight percent of a third component which is hydrofluorocarbon having 1to 3 carbon atoms, other than 1,1,1-trifluoroethane, having a boilingpoint at atmospheric pressure in the range from about −50 degrees C toabout −10 degrees C. The refrigerant compositions have a vapor pressuresubstantially equal to the vapor pressure of HCFC-22.

The term “hydrofluorocarbon” as used herein means a compound havingcarbon, hydrogen, and fluorine atoms. The term “fluorocarbon” as usedherein means a compound having carbon and fluorine atoms. For the secondcomponent, any hydrofluorocarbon having 1 to 3 carbon atoms,fluorocarbon having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or inorganic compound having aboiling point at atmospheric pressure in the range from about −90degrees C to less than −50 degrees C may be used in the presentinvention. For the third component, any hydrofluorocarbon having 1 to 3carbon atoms, other than 1,1,1-trifluoroethane, having a boiling pointat atmospheric pressure in the range from about −50 degrees C to about−10 degrees C may be used in the present invention.

The preferred first component is difluoromethane.

Preferably, the second component is selected from the group consistingof: trifluoromethane (HFC-23), hexafluoroethane (FC-116), carbon dioxideor sulphur hexafluoride. The preferred second component istrifluoromethane. All members listed for the second component arenonflammable and generally boil at a temperature below that of HFC-32 orHFC-143a.

Preferably, the third component is selected from the group consistingof: pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134),1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane(HFC-227ea), 1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ca), or1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245cb). The preferred third componentis 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. All members listed for the third componentare nonflammable and generally boil at a temperature above that ofHFC-32 or HFC-143a.

Small quantities of HFC-227ea, HFC-227ca, and HFC-245cb are availablefrom PCR and Halocarbon Products. All other components of the presentinvention are available in commercial quantities. Also, HFC-227ea,HFC-227ca, and HFC-245cb may be prepared according to known methods suchas those disclosed in International Publication Number WO 90/08754. Forexample, HFC-227ca may be prepared by reacting.1,1,1,3,3-pentachloro-2,2-difluoropropane with niobium pentachloride at120 degrees C. HFC-245cb may be prepared by reacting1,1,1,2,2-pentachloropropane with tantalum pentafluoride at 120 degreesC.

By “vapor pressure substantially equal to the vapor pressure ofchlorodifluoromethane” or “similar refrigeration characteristics” ismeant a vapor pressure which is plus or minus 30 percent of the vaporpressure of HCFC-22 at the same temperature over the temperature rangeof about 0 degrees C to about 100 degrees C.

Additional components may be added to the mixture to tailor theproperties of the mixture according to the need.

Other advantages of the invention will become apparent from thefollowing description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The FIGURE illustrates nonflammable compositions of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The properties of the preferred embodiment of the present invention arelisted in Table 1 below. BP in Table 1 stands for Boiling Point while CTstands for Critical Temperature. The * in Table 1 means sublimes at oneatm pressure and the boiling point is the triple point.

TABLE 1 No. Formula BP (degrees C.) CT (degrees C.) HFC-32 CH₂F₂ −51.778.4 HFC-143a CF₃CH₃ −47.6 73.1 Propane C₃H₈ −42.1 96.7 HFC-23 CHF₃−82.1 25.9 FC-116 C₂F₆ −78.1 24.3 — CO₂* −78.5 31.3 — SF₆ −64.0 45.5HFC-125 C₂HF₅ −48.5 66.3 HFC-134 CHF₂CHF₂ −19.7 118.9 HFC-134a CF₃CH₂F−26.5 101.1 HFC-227ea CF₃CFHCF₃ −16.5 102.0 HFC-227ca CF₃CF₂CHF₂ −15.6104.7 HFC-245cb CF₃CF₂CH₃ −17.5 107.0

The most preferred composition comprises difluoromethane,trifluoromethane, and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the compositions comprisefrom about 20 to about 80 weight percent of the first component, fromabout 2 to about 40 weight percent of the second component, and fromabout 2 to about 40 weight percent of the third component.

In one process embodiment of the invention, the compositions of theinvention may be used in a method for producing refrigeration whichinvolves condensing a refrigerant comprising the compositions andthereafter evaporating the refrigerant in the vicinity of the body to becooled.

In another process embodiment of the invention, the compositions of theinvention may be used in a method for producing heating which involvescondensing a refrigerant comprising the compositions in the vicinity ofthe body to be heated and thereafter evaporating the refrigerant.

Preferably the components used should be of sufficiently high purity soas to avoid the introduction of adverse influences upon the propertiesof the system.

As mentioned above, when a refrigerant composition contains a flammablecomponent like HFC-32, HFC-143a, or propane, the possibility of eitherthe leaking vapor or the remaining liquid becoming flammable is a veryundesirable hazard. We have discovered that the claimed compositions ofthe refrigerant blends containing either HFC-32, HFC-143a, or propanecan be so formatted with the components from the two nonflammable groupsthat the original composition is nonflammable and the leaking vapor aswell as the remaining liquid never becomes flammable.

The represent invention comprises ternary and higher blends based eitheron HFC-32, HFC-143a, or propane that have a vapor pressure substantiallythe same as the vapor pressure of HCFC-22 and which retain thisrelationship even after substantial evaporation losses, e.g. up to 50percent by weight. A vapor pressure temperature relationship similar toHCFC-22 is especially desirable because it will need minimum amount ofmodifications in the present refrigeration equipment which is designedaround the vapor pressure temperature relationship of the HCFC-22.

It should be understood that the present compositions may includeadditional components so as to form new compositions. Any suchcompositions are considered to be within the scope of the presentinvention as long as the compositions have essentially the samecharacteristics and contain all the essential components describedherein.

The present invention is more fully illustrated by the followingnon-limiting Examples.

EXAMPLES 1-72

The compositions in Table 2 below are made and exhibit refrigerationcharacteristics similar to HCFC-22, have low temperature guides, andcontain non chlorine atoms. Comp 1 stands for the first component, Comp2 stands for the second component, and Comp 3 stands for the thirdcomponent.

TABLE 2 EX COMP 1 COMP 2 COMP 3  1 HFC-143a HFC-23 HFC-125  2 HFC-143aFC-116 HFC-125  3 HFC-143a CO₂ HFC-125  4 HFC-143a SF₆ HFC-125  5HFC-143a HFC-23 HFC-134  6 HFC-143a FC-116 HFC-134  7 HFC-143a CO₂HFC-134  8 HFC-143a SF₆ HFC-134  9 HFC-143a HFC-23 HFC-134a 10 HFC-143aFC-116 HFC-134a 11 HFC-143a CO₂ HFC-134a 12 HFC-143a SF₆ HFC-134a 13HFC-143a HFC-23 HFC-227ea 14 HFC-143a FC-116 HFC-227ea 15 HFC-143a CO₂HFC-227ea 16 HFC-143a SF₆ HFC-227ea 17 HFC-143a HFC-23 HFC-227ca 18HFC-143a FC-116 HFC-227ca 19 HFC-143a CO₂ HFC-227ca 20 HFC-143a SF₆HFC-227ca 21 HFC-143a HFC-23 HFC-245cb 22 HFC-143a FC-116 HFC-245cb 23HFC-143a CO₂ HFC-245cb 24 HFC-143a SF₆ HFC-245cb 25 HFC-32 HFC-23HFC-125 26 HFC-32 FC-116 HFC-125 27 HFC-32 CO₂ HFC-125 28 HFC-32 SF₆HFC-125 29 HFC-32 HFC-23 HFC-134 30 HFC-32 FC-116 HFC-134 31 HFC-32 CO₂HFC-134 32 HFC-32 SF₆ HFC-134 33 HFC-32 HFC-23 HFC-134a 34 HFC-32 FC-116HFC-134a 35 HFC-32 CO₂ HFC-134a 36 HFC-32 SF₆ HFC-134a 37 HFC-32 HFC-23HFC-227ea 38 HFC-32 FC-116 HFC-227ea 39 HFC-32 CO₂ HFC-227ea 40 HFC-32SF₆ HFC-227ea 41 HFC-32 HFC-23 HFC-227ca 42 HFC-32 FC-116 HFC-227ca 43HFC-32 CO₂ HFC-227ca 44 HFC-32 SF₆ HFC-227ca 45 HFC-32 HFC-23 HFC-245cb46 HFC-32 FC-116 HFC-245cb 47 HFC-32 CO₂ HFC-245cb 48 HFC-32 SF₆HFC-245cb 49 Propane HFC-23 HFC-125 50 Propane FC-116 HFC-125 51 PropaneCO₂ HFC-125 52 Propane SF₆ HFC-125 53 Propane HFC-23 HFC-134 54 PropaneFC-116 HFC-134 55 Propane CO₂ HFC-134 56 Propane SF₆ HFC-134 57 PropaneHFC-23 HFC-134a 58 Propane FC-116 HFC-134a 59 Propane CO₂ HFC-134a 60Propane SF₆ HFC-134a 61 Propane HFC-23 HFC-227ea 62 Propane FC-116HFC-227ea 63 Propane CO₂ HFC-227ea 64 Propane SF₆ HFC-227ea 65 PropaneHFC-23 HFC-227ca 66 Propane FC-116 HFC-227ca 67 Propane CO₂ HFC-227ca 68Propane SF₆ HFC-227ca 69 Propane HFC-23 HFC-245cb 70 Propane FC-116HFC-245cb 71 Propane CO₂ HFC-245cb 72 Propane SF₆ HFC-245cb

EXAMPLE 73

The example shows that it is possible to calculate the thermodynamicproperties of a ternary mixture from using equation of state techniques.These are important for estimating theoretical performance of arefrigerant as discussed in Example 75. The equation of state packageused was based on the NIST Mixture Properties formalism (DDMIX)available from the National Institute of Standards and Technology,Gaithersberg, Md. 20899. An example of measured and calculated bubblepressure of a 48.1 wt % HFC-23, 19.3 wt % HFC-32, and 32.6 wt % HFC-134aternary nonazeotropic blend is shown in Table 3. The very good agreementshows the high degree of confidence that may be placed in the results ofthe experiments and theory.

TABLE 3 Bubble Pressure Bubble Pressure Temperature/K exptl., psiacalcd., psia 263.54 154.2 151.8 268.49 176.4 174.8 278.38 230.0 228.2288.09 293.4 290.9 298.08 367.9 366.9 308.09 453.4 455.3 318.12 550.7556.1

EXAMPLE 74

By preparing various compositions of HFC-134a/HFC-32/HFC-23 in air anddetermining their flammability, it is possible to map out the region ofcompositions in air that are flammable. See, e.g. P. A. Sanders, TheHandbook of Aersola Technology at 146 (2d, ed. 1979). The maximum amountof HFC-32 that can be blended with HFC-134a and HFC-23 and remainnonflammable in all proportions in air, can be determined from such aplot. Table 4 summaries the maximum or critical composition of HFC-32attainable with HFC-134a and a higher pressure component (e.g. HFC-23,HF-116, SF₆, and CO₂) for the binary mixtures. The CFR is the criticalflammability ratio: which is the maximum amount of HFC-32 that a mixtureof HFC-32/X can contain and still be nonflammable in all proportions inair. X represents the higher pressure components listed in Table 4.These binary flammability data can be used to predict the flammabilityof the more complex ternary mixture plus air. This complex mixture ofthree components and air does not lend itself to simple ternarydiagrams. Therefore, air is not included so that we are able to show thedata graphically. The air proportion itself is not important justwhether or not the mixture is flammable in some proportion with air.FIG. 1 shows a composition of HCFC-134a, HFC-32, and HFC-23. Above theline A-B(more HFC-32), mixtures of those compositions are flammable insome proportion in air while below line A-B(less HFC-32), mixtures ofthose compositions are not flammable in air at any proportions of air.Further this diagram depicts compositions that will remain nonflammablein the event of a vapor leak. If the leak is from the liquid phase, someliquid will vaporize to fill the space vacated by the leaking liquid.Because the vapor is {fraction (1/25)}th as dense as the liquid, andvery little vaporization occurs, therefore, very little fraction actionoccurs. In contrast, when the vapor phase is removed, all the liquid iseventually vaporized, producing a dramatic amount of fractionation.Liquid leaks produce only miner changes in the composition of themixture. As such, a liquid leak is not problematic and only the case ofa vapor leak mask be considered.

Shifts in the compositions of the vapor and liquid phases during leakingwere calculated using ideal solution behavior. These types ofcalculations were used to determine what starting compositions wouldremain nonflammable on evaporation. Line D-C in FIG. 1 separates thosecompositions that could have flammable liquid phase compositions fromthose compositions that would remain nonflammable. Compositions rich inHFC-134a (right of the line) would have liquid phase compositions thatremain nonflammable on evaporation. Since C-E separates composition thatwould fractionate given vapors that are flammable from those that wouldnot produce flammable vapors. Compositions having more, HFC-23 (left ofthe line) would remain nonflammable vapors on segregation. Therefore,compositions below line D-C-E would not fractionate to produce eitherliquid or vapor phases that could be flammable.

TABLE 4 Maximum HFC-32 Compo % air at CFR Gas in HFC-32 (mole or volume%) (mole or volume %) HFC-134a 72.9 20 HFC-23 75.3 19 HFC-116 88.1 20SF₆ 87.9 21 CO₂ 55.2 29

EXAMPLE 75

This example shows that a HFC-32 containing blend has a performancesimilar to HCFC-22, yet is nonflammable even after substantial vaporleakage.

The theoretical performance of a refrigerant at specific operatingconditions can be estimated from the thermodynamic properties of therefrigerant using standard refrigeration cycle analysis techniques, seefor example, “Fluorocarbons Refrigerants Handbook”, Ch. 3,Prentice-Hall, (1988), by R. C. Downing. The coefficient of performance,COP, is a universally accepted measure, especially useful inrepresenting the relative thermodynamic efficiency of a refrigerant in aspecific heating or cooling cycle involving evaporation or condensationof refrigerant. In refrigeration engineering, this term expresses theratio of useful refrigeration to the energy applied by the compressor incompressing the vapor. The capacity of a refrigerant represents thevolumetric efficiency of the refrigerant. To a compressor engineer, thisvalue expresses the capability of a compressor to pump quantities ofheat for a given volumetric flow rate of refrigerant. In other words,given a specific compressor, a refrigerant with a higher capacity willdeliver more cooling or heating power. A similar calculation can also beperformed for nonazeotropic refrigerant blends.

We have performed this type of calculation for packaged air conditioningcycle where the condenser temperature is typically 115° F. and theevaporator temperature is typically 40° F. We have further assumedisentropic compression and a compressor inlet temperature of 60° F. Suchcalculations were performed for a 0.72/28.71/70.57 by weight blend ofHFC-23, HFC-32, and HFC-134a. The temperature glide in typical HCFC-22application in no case exceeded 15° F. The coefficient of performance(COP), a measure of energy efficiency of the fluid, was found to be 5.36as compared to 5.51 found for HCFC-22 in the same conditions. Accordingto the known art (D. A. Didion and D. M. Bivens “The Role of RefrigerantMixtures as Alternatives” in CFC's: Today's Options . . . Tomorrow'sSolutions, NIST, 1990), the temperature glides of the order of 10° F.are minor enough for the mixture to be termed Near-Azeotropic.Therefore, the temperature glide of the mixture composition claimed issmall enough and does not pose a problem for conventional refrigerationunits. As can be seen from the attached FIG. 1, which gives theflammability limits of the three component blend of HFC-23, HFC-32, andHFC-134a measured by an ASTM 681 apparatus, the blend is nonflammable.Its vapor pressure is 11.37 bars at 25° C. within 10 percent of theHCFC-22 vapor pressure. The refrigeration capacity is about 95% of theHCFC-22. After 50 weight percent of the refrigerant is lost through theleakage of the vapor, the vapor pressure of the blend is 9.44 bars,still within 10% of the HCFC-22 value. The refrigeration capacity hasdecreased to only 83% of the HCFC-22 value. The COP of the remainingfluid remained substantially the same at 5.37. Both the vapor at 46volume percent HFC-32 and the liquid at 28 volume percent HFC-32 hasremained nonflammable as seen from FIG. 1.

EXAMPLE 76

We have performed another calculation of the type given in Example 75for packaged air conditioning cycle where the condenser temperature istypically 115° F. and the evaporator temperature is typically 40° F. Wehave further assumed insentropic compression and a compressor inlettemperature of 60° F. This time such calculations were performed for a77.56 gram blend of 0.0348 moles of HFC-23, 0.4648 moles of HFC-32, and0.4968 moles of HFC-134a. The temperature glide in typical HCFC-22application in no case exceeded 17° F. As can be seen from the attachedFIG. 1, which gives the flammability limits of the three component blendof HFC-23, HFC-32, and HFC-134a measured by an ASTM 681 apparatus, theblend is nonflammable. Its vapor pressure is 12.43 bars at 25° C. within25 percent of the HCFC-22 vapor pressure. The refrigeration capacity issubstantially the same as the HCFC-22. The COP was 5.13. After 50 weightpercent of the refrigerant is lost through the leakage of the vapor, thevapor pressure of the blend is 10.08 bars, within 2% of the HCFC-22value. The refrigeration capacity has decreased to only 87% of theHCFC-22 value. The COP has increased marginally to 5.35. Both the vaporat 51 volume percent HFC-32 and the liquid at 33 volume percent HFC-32has remained nonflammable as seen from FIG. 1.

EXAMPLE 77

We have performed another calculation of the type given in Examples 75and 76 under the conditions given earlier. This time such calculationswere performed for a 75.62 gram blend of 0.0561 moles of HFC-23, 0.4865moles of HFC-32, and 0.4484 moles of HFC-134a. The temperature glide intypical HCFC-22 application in no case exceeded 20° F. As can be seenfrom the attached FIG. 1, which gives the flammability limits of thethree component blend of HFC-23, HFC-32, and HFC-134a measured by anASTM 681 apparatus, the blend is nonflammable. Its vapor pressure is13.38 bars at 25° C. within 30 percent of the HCFC-22 vapor pressure.The refrigeration capacity is substantially the same as the HCFC-22. TheCOP is 5.02. After 50 weight percent of the refrigerant is lost throughthe leakage of the vapor, the vapor pressure of the blend is 10.78 bars,within 4% of the HCFC-22 value. The refrigeration capacity has decreasedto only 91% of the HCFC-22 value. The COP is now 5.31. Both the vapor at54 volume percent HFC-32 and the liquid at 37 volume percent HFC-32 hasremained nonflammable as seen from FIG. 1.

Having described the invention in detail and by reference to preferredembodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications andvariations are possible without departing from the scope of theinvention defined by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A refrigerant composition comprising from about10 to about 90 weight percent of propane; from about 1 to about 50weight percent of carbon dioxide; and from about 1 to about 50 weightpercent of HFC-227ea, said refrigerant composition having a vaporpressure substantially equal to the vapor pressure ofchlorodifluoromethane.
 2. The refrigerant composition of claim 1,wherein said propane, carbon dioxide and HFC-227ea and their weightpercents are selected so that the resulting refrigerant compositions arenonflammable.
 3. The refrigerant composition of claim 1 comprising fromabout 20 to about 80 weight percent propane from about 2 to about 40weight percent of carbon dioxide and from about 2 to about 40 weightpercent of HFC-227 ea.
 4. A method for producing refrigeration whichcomprises condensing said refrigerant composition of claim 1 andthereafter evaporating said refrigerant composition in the vicinity ofthe body to be cooled.
 5. A method for producing heating which comprisescondensing said refrigerant composition of claim 1 in the vicinity ofthe body to be heated and thereafter evaporating said refrigerantcomposition.